It was all smiles for everyone associated with Arsenal, particularly Robin Van Persie. On this day five years ago at the Emirates Stadium, the Dutchman scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners defeated London rivals Queens Park Rangers 1-0 to move fourth in the Premier League.

More importantly, it was Van Persie’s 35th Premier League goal in 2011 and set a new record of most goals in a calendar year.

He eclipsed legend Thierry Henry who scored 34 times in the top flight in 2004 but fell one short of the all-time mark set by Alan Shearer when the former England striker netted 36 times for Blackburn Rovers in 1995.

Other memorable events on this day

1955: Johan Cruyff is named European Football Player of the Year, the second time he won the award.

1995: Australian Test opener Matthew Elliott scores two centuries on the same day – 104 and then 135 a Victoria after following on against Western Australia in Perth.

2011: Bottom club Blackburn Rovers stun Manchester United 3-2 in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford.